Dog roundworms are the most common type of intestinal  parasites in dogs which can have a significant impact on their health

If you see one of these worms, it would be two to four inches long and white colored.  It would look like a piece of spaghetti, but with tapered ends.

This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for roundworms in dogs, as well as preventive measures to keep your dog safe.

Roundworm In Dogs transmission

• Roundworms are caused by the ingestion of roundworm eggs, which can be found in soil, feces, and other environments.
• Infected dogs can shed these microscopic eggs in their feces, leading to reinfestation.

So a dog roundworm infection can occur in a number of ways.  It can pick up roundworm larvae by eating fecal matter or the carcass of a dead animal such as a squirrel, rabbit or bird.

This is because these can may contain immature roundworms that will grow into adult roundworms inside your dog.  A dog licking dirt off itself that is contaminated with roundworm larvae can also result in a dog roundworm infection.

Puppies And Roundworms

Puppies are most susceptible to roundworms and, in many cases, are born with microscopically small roundworm larvae in their tissues.

These parasites are so pernicious they can penetrate the mother dog’s uterus and infect the puppies while they are still in the embryonic stage.

The puppies can also inherit the roundworms when nursing.

All of this means that if you buy a puppy from a kennel or a pet store, you should have it tested for roundworms right away.  If the puppy does have roundworms, you will need to immediately start it on a series of deworming treatments.

Dog Roundworm Symptoms

Dogs or puppies that have a serious roundworm infection will generally have diarrhea, look unhealthy and may vomit.

They may also pass whole roundworms in their stools.

In the worst cases, roundworms can cause intestinal blockages and your dog may totally lose its appetite or vomit shortly after eating.

Dog Roundworm Diagnosis 

If your dog or puppy shows symptoms of a roundworm infection, you will need to take it to your vet for an exam.  He or she will be able to give you a definitive diagnosis and suggest a good dewormer.

To diagnose roundworms in dogs, a veterinarian will typically perform a fecal flotation test, where a sample of the dog’s feces is examined under a microscope to identify the presence of roundworm eggs.

Dog Roundworm Treatment 

Treatment for roundworms is simple and effective, with several safe and approved medications available to kill adult roundworms in the intestine. Some of these medications include:

– Fenbendazole
– Milbemycin
– Moxidectin
– Piperazine
– Pyrantel

Treatment typically consists of deworming medications, such as pyrantel or fenbendazole, and monthly heartworm preventatives containing medications like milbemycin can also treat roundworms. In some cases, deworming pregnant dogs late in pregnancy can help prevent newborn puppies from getting roundworms.

Roundworm dewormers are both inexpensive and easy to administer.

it is important that you talk with your vet before using it – to make sure it is the best roundworm treatment for your dog.

Roundworm In Dogs Prevention And Control.

As you have read, roundworms can enter your dog’s body many different ways. For this reason, To prevent roundworms in dogs, it is essential to follow proper hygiene practices and take preventive measures. Some tips include:

1. keep your dog’s living area clean, remove feces regularly, and, if possible, keep your dog from eating wild animals that may be roundworm infected.
2. You should also keep it out of dog parks that are not well maintained.
3. If your dog is a predator, it’s a good idea to have your vet give it a fecal exam several times a year.
4. Washing hands after contact with dogs or their environment
5.  Regular deworming of your adult dogs
6. Maintaining dogs on monthly heartworm preventatives
7. And if you have a newborn puppy that you suspect might have roundworms, you will need to treat it with a good deworming product at two to three weeks of age.
8. There are also products available for preventing dog roundworms.
9. If your dog is especially susceptible to these intestinal pests, ask your vet to recommend a good preventative medication. For example, there are heartworm medications that will also prevent roundworms. But you will need to deworm the dog before using any of them. This is due to the fact that they are preventative medications only and will not deworm the dog.

While dog roundworm does not represent a life threatening illness, it can cause your dog a great deal of discomfort. For this reason, it is important that you watch your dog for symptoms of a roundworm infection and then take quick action if you see any. Deworming your dog is easy and inexpensive so there is just no reason to let your dog suffer from a roundworm infection.